Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

There are some things money can’t buy. And that’s why this issue’s cover feature is so special. Travel + Leisure India & South Asia was exclusively invited by the good folks at the Grey Goose House, Le Logis, to capture the idyllic destination with our enchanting cover star, Aditi Rao Hydari. If there ever was a place that looked straight out of our childhood fairytales, this princely French château would probably be it. Cocooned in vineyards in the sublime region of Cognac, Le Logis defines the French way of life (p. 66). If you’re planning a trip to Europe and looking for a culturally enriching trail, let our piece on Switzerland guide your itinerary (p. 132). Art aficionados, if you’re heading to London for a heady dose of discovery, flip…

1 MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA There isn’t a single street in Medellin where a party isn’t raging in the wee hours. The young, hip Colombian city is tailor-made for young singles. Be it vibing to reggaeton at Sky Bar, or trying a variety of Latin dances at crossover clubs (fondas) such as Salón Amador, or picking up the basics of salsa at Son Havana (sonhavana.co), dance floors are a permanent fixture of Medellin nights. If you’d rather sit down, head to the party epicentre of Laureles, where many cafes and tiendas (stores) double up as bars after nightfall. 2 AYIA NAPA, CYPRUS Foam party, UV paint party, boat party, street party—you name it, and the Cypriot island of Ayia Napa has it going. Blessed with palm-fringed beaches and blue waters, the Mediterranean…

A TRIBUTE TO THE ‘Iron Man of India’, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat is the tallest in the world, with a height of 182 metres. One of the few man-made objects visible from space, it is located on the Sadhu Bet island, 3.5 kilometres from Sardar Sarovar Dam, and falls between the Satpura and Vindhyachal hills. Designed by Padma Bhushanwinning sculptor Ram V Sutar, who has designed over 50 monuments, the Statue of Unity comprises a complex with a museum, a memorial garden, a designer bridge connecting Sadhu Bet island with the mainland along the Narmada River, an internal five kilometres-long roadway, an administrative complex, a conference centre, and a hotel. Climb up to the observation deck, which is at a height of 193 metres above…

THE WINTER FABRICS that will stand out this season for Indian travellers will be those that are warm yet create a dimensional statement. The go-to fabrics will be 100 per cent cashmere, 100 per cent fine merino wool, sheeter for quilted puffer jackets, leatherite, and foil. Knitwear, too, will be a staple add-on for your winter wardrobe for layering. Top Holiday Season Trends PRINT ON PRINT: Opt for tribal prints that add a hint of sturdy, folksy emotion to the attire. EASY, COMFORTABLE SILHOUETTES FOR LAYERING: A wave of breezy silhouettes will flood the holiday wardrobes for many. Effortless kaftans, gusty capes, and versatile paneyos over swimwear will be every holidaymaker’s best friends. ACCESSORISE: Learn the necessity of travel paraphernalia—a straw hat, a beach rug, silk scarves, comfy espadrilles, sunglasses,…

1. ROYAL OAK SELF-WINDING AUDEMARS PIGUET This new model of an iconic watch has subtle details that make for a more elegant and readable dial. The date window has been moved further from the centre, while the indexes have been widened and the minute train printed on the satin-finished external area. This 41mm model comes in steel with a choice of blue, slate grey, and black dial. Price on request 2. OYSTER 36MM IN YELLOW GOLD AND DIAMONDS ROLEX The first thing that strikes you about this watch is the 18K yellow gold. The second is the turquoise dial, with hour markers in 18K gold. Lastly, the Day-Date 36 is equipped with a new-generation movement, self-winding mechanical calibre 3255. Price on request 3. HAPPY SPORT 30MM CHOPARD The elegance of…

Getting There Le Logis is located in Cognac, France. It is close to Bordeaux (A10) and Angoulême (N10). The closest train station is at Angoulême, 45 minutes away (50 km). The closest airport is in Bordeaux (112.4 km), a 90-minute drive. Paris is 500 kms away and takes five hours to reach by road. There are multiple airline carriers connecting major Indian metros with Paris and Bordeaux (via connecting flights). Stay Le Logis is open for booking requests through the year except between December 15 and January 15. Minimum booking request accepted is of eight to 10 people. Le Logis Grey Goose, Domaine du Fresne, Route de Touche-Boeuf 16130 Juillac-le-Coq, France; lelogisgreygoose@greygoose.com…

BEST STATE TAMIL NADU Bordering the Bay of Bengal, Tamil Nadu (in pic) is a melting pot of destinations and cultures waiting to be explored. On one end, the capital city Chennai buzzes with an irresistible urban charm, on the other, slow-paced cities like Kanchipuram offer a delightful bucolic contrast. The vibrancy of Chettinad—both in terms of architecture and food—wows travellers of every kind, while Kanyakumari’s breathtaking horizons leave tourists speechless. The backdrop of the verdant Western Ghats binds such distinct features together, making the state one of our readers’ favourites. tamilnadutourism.org GUJARAT The towering Statue of Unity is just one of the many reasons to visit the ‘Land of Gandhi’. Stretching out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of desert at Rann of Kutch and a 1,666-kilometre long…

Base yourself in Adelaide for a taste of McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. Fly to Tasmania for some unique flavours. Getting There Multiple airlines, including Air India (airindia.in) and Singapore Airlines (singaporeair.com), operate daily flights to Adelaide International Airport. McLaren Vale is around 40 kilometres away, and is best accessed by road. It takes one hour to reach Adelaide Hills from here. Virgin Australia (virginaustralia. com) and Jetstar Airways (jetstar.com) operate connecting flights to Hobart, in Tasmania, via Melbourne. A 25-minute ferry ride from MONA Ferry Terminal takes you to MONA and Moorilla Estate Winery. Stay Adelaide has many luxury options for your stay. One of them is the Mayfair Hotel ( 45, King William St), based in a Heritage Listed building. It offers 170 rooms and suites, with the…

On November 15, 2019, Travel+Leisure India & South Asia lit up the national capital with the eighth edition of its annual flagship event, India’s Best Awards, at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Hosted by actor and UN Environment National Goodwill Ambassador, Dia Mirza, the evening centred on the theme of Conscious Travel. The crème de la crème of the travel and hospitality industries, including leading hoteliers, tourism board representatives, and restaurateurs from all over the world, graced the event. The glamorous night was the culmination of a three-month-long online voting process that decided the winners of 60 award categories, which covered the entire gamut of luxury services and products in travel and hospitality. Apart from the annual categories, this edition introduced some unique award segments that recognised the changemakers and trendsetters…

Jaipur is unique, as is its most celebrated asset, the City Palace. An intricate 18th -century façade welcomes you to the official residence of Jaipur’s royal family, and is followed by the overwhelming grandeur of a complex of courtyards, pavillions, lush gardens, and fascinating museums, all overlooked by the mighty Kachhwaha flag flapping in the mighty winds that sweep the desert lands of Rajasthan. The interiors of the palace stay bathed in their old-world opulence; the moment you step out, Jaipur unfurls like a sea of sandstone buildings, mid-rise towers, quirky hangouts, and busy market lanes. The Airbnb listing in City Palace Jaipur promises a slice of royalty to tourists and puts the cultural heritage of the city on the world map. When you regard this kaleidoscope of eras radiating…

WHAT’S MORE The host team has its camera equipment handy , so get clicked at some of the most beautiful locales in Jaipur. Jaipur is a heady brew of old and new, and the beauty of the city lies in its chaotic labyrinthine lanes bathed in vibrant hues. But in case you wish to witness the city in a different pace, rise before the city wakes up and take an early morning stroll to Amer Fort to watch the most stunning sunrise. Stroll through empty streets, climb up the steep stairs of the Amer Fort, and see the city don a golden hue as dawn breaks before your eyes. Expect a lot of trivia related to Rajasthani culture as history buff Puneet Yadav hosts the tour. On your way back,…

The Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF) has been committed to bettering the socio-economic status of Rajasthan’s underprivileged women since its inception in 2013. In a huge leap towards this direction, the foundation has signed an MoU with Airbnb to help the members of PDKF become Airbnb hosts by sharing their homes or their passions with travellers. The founder and visionary of PDKF, Princess Diya Kumari of the Jaipur Royal Family, talks to us about the prospects of this partnership with Airbnb, her vision for the women of the foundation, and more. Tell us about PDKF –when and why did you set up the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation? I always felt the need to give back and to do something that could make a difference for the women in Rajasthan. I…

BARADARI A rendition of a baradari (pavillion with 12 doors) that was once used as a performance arena, the contemporary Rajasthani restaurant at City Palace Jaipur is a beautiful blend of the old and the new. Its black and white patterned floor is a modern interpretation of the indigenous hand-dyed striped pattern called leheriya; the ceiling, walls, and niches feature motifs of thikri (mirror inlay); a fluted-marble water cascade lends a pleasant ambient tune; and the ancient recipe of cured slaked lime gives the place Jaipur’s quintessential pink colour. Nicknamed the palace cafe, it serves the best of classic Rajasthani cuisine as well as Continental dishes. BAR PALLADIO Inspired by the iconic Caffè Florian and Harry’s Bar in Venice and named after Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, Bar Palladio Jaipur sings…

SPOTTED Virat Kohli’s birthday celebrations took place in the lap of the Himalayas this year! We spotted some stunning panoramas of Bhutan on Virat and Anushka’s Instagram. travelandleisureindia.in/ viratanushka-himalayas/ DISCOVER Essaouira, a little fishing port on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, serving as an alternative to the buzz of Marrakesh, is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress town, whose origin dates back to the 18th century. travelandleisureindia.in/essaouira-morocco/ #telltnlindia THIS PHOTO BY @YAROSLAV_SHURAEV› WILL MAKE YOU YEARN FOR A SCENIC TRAIN RIDE IN ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA.› TO GET FEATURED HERE, TAG @TRAVELANDLEISUREINDIA ON INSTAGRAM AND USE THE HASHTAG #TELLTNLINDIA. Download Travel + Leisure India & South Asia digital editions, and follow us for the best in hotels, food, style, culture, and trends. travelandleisureindia tnlindia tnlindia traveleisurein NOTE: ALL PRICES MENTIONED IN THE MAGAZINE ARE…

What was your expectation from Milan? And did the city live up to it? I’ve been to Milan before, but never to Milan Fashion Week. It was a fantastic experience to see the setting, the buzz, and the crowd. It’s not something I experience often. And I fell in love with the city again. When I first went to Milan about 15 years ago, I was a 19-year-old travelling in Europe for the first time, and I didn’t know much. The Internet wasn’t as powerful, so my information was limited. But this time, the guidance that I got from the Airbnb team was fantastic, and they set up so many experiences for me that I got to see more of the real Milan. What did you discover on your walking…

I am in Liverpool, a city that most people know for its music and football. Few realise that it’s also an architecturally stunning city, with the most number of UNESCO-listed buildings in the United Kingdom outside London. For decades, it was a prosperous port city, where ships brought in tobacco, silk, and sugar. Shipping and insurance companies built grandiose offices, and iconic civic buildings like the Liverpool Town Hall came up. In fact, Liverpool has been called England’s first Victorian city. In 2004, large parts of the mercantile port city were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Liverpool has as many as 2,500 listed buildings, and around 27 of them are Grade 1. Over the last few years, the town has undergone a renaissance as a cultural centre; warehouses…

What does travel mean to you? To me, travel has always been about expansion. It’s about going with the flow of experiencing different cultures, food, [and] weather, as happily and effortlessly as possible. It’s about accepting and appreciating plurality. eye-contact. I love animals and was most thrilled to see deer on the streets of Nara. A destination that took you by surprise? Cape Town. It has everything! Mountains, sea, rivers, animals, great weather... Anyone would be spoilt for choice. What kind of traveller are you? I like different kinds of holidays. It depends on how I feel. Sometimes, I want to switch off and literally detox every aspect of my being. Most times, the thought of a holiday is about adventure, feeling free, feeling uninhibited, eating whatever I want, walking,…

Imagine walking barefoot in a dense, green forest, breathing in fresh air, feeling moist grass under your feet, listening to the rustling of leaves, and the chirping of birds, and take in a melange of earthy aromas—isn’t just the thought of this therapeutic? To put it simply, forest bathing is the act of spending quality time in a forest. It works on the principles of mindfulness and meditation, takes you to another level of corporeal awareness, and helps you open all your senses to natural surroundings. Popularly known as shinrinyoku, this phenomenon started in Japan in 1982 as a part of a public health programme, which sought to spread awareness about the health benefits of nature. The term shinrinyoku was first coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and…

DO YOU REMEMBER your first extraordinary trip? Your first wine-tasting? Your first spa? Do you remember the first time you took a bus or train in a foreign land? Do you remember how it felt? No matter how many journeys we embark on, how many places we see, and how many flights we take, our firsts are irreplaceable. At least that’s how it is for me. Thus, this story. The story of my first time in Europe. Of all the 44 countries in the continent, I was destined to land in glorious Switzerland. It was bound to be extraordinary and—as I would eventually discover—indulgent. ZÜRICH IT BEGINS IN GLOOMY ZÜRICH. Myfirst impression ofEurope takes shape under a spell of thick grey clouds. In the moment, it is only drizzling. So,…

WHAT’S MORE Throughout the tour , you will come across iconic street food stalls and joints that have been running for as long as 300 years ! You haven’t experienced the glory and goodness of the Pink City until you have lived the life of a local. An absolute foodie, Rishabh believes in sustainable tourism and local experiences, and along with co-host Aayush, takes you on a freewheeling tour. As you walk past the lanes, watching the fascinating history unfurl in the form of forlorn forts, old buildings, and ancient temples, discover countless treasures. Pace up and down the city, wolf down mouthwatering street food, and experience the living traditions and impressive heritage of Jaipur. From Golcha Cinema, Bapu Bazaar, and Johari Bazaar, to Hawa Mahal, the 300-year-old Shiva Temple,…

WHAT’S MORE Once you are done learning the entire process , you get to pick one item to design and paint the way you like it ! The art of blue pottery is synonymous with Jaipur — this unique art form is exclusive to the Pink City and every lane and street here owns it. Let the artist in you take over as you get a first-hand experience in the art while watching the entire process take place before your eyes. Your host, Garima, has grown up watching her father work extensively on this traditional craft, and she now helps the community of artisans grow by spreading awareness about it globally. Talk to the artisans about the dying art and the cultural flexibility that could bring change. Get in touch…

5 Luxurious New Year Parties Around the World December 31 deserves every bit of oomph and glamour, hence, we’ve compiled the most extravagant parties across the globe. travelandleisureindia.in/ nye-partiesaround-the-world/ Shopping Festivals Around the World Be it souvenir shopping or collecting exclusive pieces for your abode, we pick the five most exciting shopping festivals from around the world. travelandleisureindia.in/ shopping-festivals/ Ultimate Boat Parties in Ibiza There are few places around the world where the music and the crowd are always just right—they are the party centrals of the world. And Ibiza is one of them! travelandleisureindia.in/ boatparties-ibiza/…

Around five hours from Leh by road, in the remote valley of Ladakh, is the unexplored village of Garkone. Besides the breathtaking landscape of the place, what makes it unique is the fact that Garkone, along with a handful of other villages in the area, is home to a unique community called Brokpas. The Brokpas (Brok means hillock and Pa means inhabitant) believe they are the last ‘pure specimens’ of Aryan blood, and are regarded as the master race by many across the world. Legend has it that the Brokpas are the direct descendants of the Dards, of Indo-Aryan stock left behind by Alexander the Great, when he abandoned his mission at the banks of the River Indus in 326 BCE. It was to document the last remaining Brokpas that…

Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, in association with The Leela Palace Chennai, hosted a select gathering for a Mixology Masterclass at the hotel’s beautiful lounge bar, Library Blu, on November 7, 2019. On the buzzing evening, a group of expert mixologists from the hotel whipped up some delicious cocktails, with entertaining tricks to boot. In the process, the crowd learned to make quite a few cocktails. Think Goose Bumps (infused whiskey, gooseberry juice, cinnamon syrup, Angostura bitters), Swagath (vodka, sambuca, betel leaves, gulkand, cardamom), Pazhamudhir Cholai (infused vodka, peach schnapps, lychee juice), Double Dose (whiskey, dark rum, saffron and dates syrup, lime juice, egg white), and Tavar Saaru (infused gin, white wine, cinnamon syrup). The refreshing drinks were paired with delectable hors d’ouevres from the kitchen of Library…

Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh: It is located in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, south of Narmada River. The reserve comprises Satpura National Park, Bori Sanctuary, and Pachmarhi Sanctuary. Getting there: Bhopal Airport (200 km) is the nearest to the park. The nearest railway stations are Itarsi, Sohagpur, Pipariya and Hoshangabad. Cost: Per night cost of the three forest rest-houses in the reserve ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000. satpuratigerreserve.mp.gov.in Agumbe Rainforest, Karnataka: It is located near Tirthahalli taluk in Shimoga district. Getting there: Udupi (60 km), Shimoga (92 km), and Mangaluru (110 km) are the nearest railway stations. You can also take a flight either to Mangaluru (110 km) or Bengaluru (380 kms). There are frequent buses from Udupi, Mangaluru, and Shimoga, and a direct bus to and from Bengaluru.…

There’s more to Switzerland than the Alps. For a luxe itinerary that is also culturally immersive, begin your journey in elegant Zürich and sum it up Italy-style in the canton of Ticino. GETTING THERE SWISS (swiss.com) serves regular direct flights to Zürich from Delhi and Mumbai. STAY Atlantis by Giardino, Zürich is a plush modern hotel that sits on the outskirts of the city—an ideal option to experience the Swiss countryside and have easy access to the city life at the same time. From ₹23,700; giardinohotels.ch/Zurich The boutique property of Giardino Ascona, at a plush countryside location, feels like a home on the border of Switzerland and Italy. From ₹36,000; giardinohotels.ch/en/ascona TIP Depending on the duration of your stay, buy a three-, four-, eight-, or 15-day Swiss Travel Pass in…

Khama ghani! I welcome you to our home: the City Palace Jaipur. This is the first time we’re offering travellers the experience of living in the palace, in an exclusive collaboration with Airbnb, for a cause that is close to my heart. The suite available on the platform is located in our residential quarters of the City Palace. It’s a beautiful space called Gudliya, which employs the different patterns and motifs found around the palace. It has a spacious bedroom and seating area with an en-suite luxurious bathroom, and a lovely courtyard. We discovered a hidden passage that led to an enclosed water storage area, which has now been converted into a beautiful private indoor swimming pool. Apart from the opulent stay, our staff will take care of the guest’s…